Question

directions: brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. be prepared to share your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. what does it mean to be \somebody\ and what does it mean to be

obody\? which is better in the context of this poem? which is better in your opinion?
handwritten notes: in emily dickinson’s “i’m nobody”... (partial text as visible)

1. in the context of this poem, what makes you who you are? cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

Explanation:

Question 1

In Emily Dickinson's "I'm Nobody! Who are you?", "somebody" refers to a person who seeks public recognition, fame, and social approval (like a "public - figure" who is in the spotlight and follows social norms of visibility). "Nobody" is someone who avoids the public eye, values privacy, and rejects the pressure of being in the limelight. In the poem's context, being "Nobody" is better as the speaker finds comfort in anonymity, seeing the "somebody" life as "dreary" and "public" (implying it's a burden of constant attention). Personally, it can be better to be "Nobody" if one values inner peace over external validation, or "Somebody" if one thrives on social interaction and recognition, but the poem leans toward "Nobody" as a positive, unpretentious state.

In the poem, what makes one who they are is their choice of identity (being "Nobody" as a rejection of public - facing "somebody" norms). The speaker identifies as "Nobody" and finds kinship with another "Nobody", showing that self - defined identity (not societal labels) matters. From personal experience, our values, relationships, and choices (like choosing to be private or public - spirited) shape us. In literature, Thoreau in "Walden" also valued self - reliant, non - conformist identity (living simply, apart from mainstream society). In art, self - portraits often reflect an artist's self - perception (e.g., Frida Kahlo's paintings showing her pain and strength, defining her identity). In history, figures like Emily Dickinson herself (a reclusive poet) defined their identity through their art and choice of seclusion, not public acclaim.

Answer:

• "Somebody": A person seeking public recognition, fame, and social approval (e.g., a public - facing figure following norms of visibility).
• "Nobody": A person avoiding public attention, valuing privacy, and rejecting the limelight.
• In the poem's context, "Nobody" is better (speaker finds anonymity comforting, sees "somebody" life as "dreary" and "public").
• Personal opinion: Depends on values (e.g., "Nobody" for inner peace, "Somebody" for social interaction/recognition), but poem favors "Nobody".

Question 2